Colombian growers preparing for El Niño

"Fenomeno del Niño is expected to affect La Sabana de Bogota from the end of December", Colombian grower Pablo Bazinni of La Plazoleta tells us. For more than three months, it is expected to become very dry, particularly in February and March, and growers are preparing for what is to come.

"We already see it happening now in the Caribbean regions like La Guajira with the drastic reduction in rain." In Colombia, the effects will be visible soon. "Now, we still have many showers in Bogota as well as Medellin, however the clouds are shifting to the south and sooner or later, this rainy weather in Colombia will be over the Amazonas bringing a very dry season in other regions."

PreparationsIt is expected that this dry period (the phenomenon) will last more than three months. According to Bazzani, it is now time that Colombians should be saving water in every possible way. "It is the only action plan that will help to overcome this situation."

Besides drought, the risk for frosts is high during the El Niño phenomenon. "Frosts affect all kind of crops and we as key players in the floral industry, need to be more cautious in our preparation for this phenomenon, by for example, implementing spray irrigation over the greenhouse roofs."

PositiveEven though the forecasts, Bazzani remains positive. "We are aware of the risks this unexpected weather can bring, but we are positive that Valentine's and Mother´s seasons will be as successful or even more than the current year."